Senior Ride Development Engineer – Mechanical Design & Theme Park Attraction Systems

Join arenaflex and Shape the Future of Immersive Entertainment Experiences

Are you ready to transform imagination into reality? Welcome to arenaflex, where we don't just build attractions—we craft memories that last a lifetime. As a member of our elite engineering team, you'll push the boundaries of what's possible in theme park entertainment, working alongside world-class creative minds to design ride experiences that inspire wonder in millions of guests worldwide.

At arenaflex, we believe that magic happens at the intersection of innovation, creativity, and technical excellence. Our Ride Development team is the heartbeat of our organization, responsible for conceptualizing, designing, engineering, and bringing to life the most exhilarating attractions in the entertainment industry. If you've ever dreamed of being the force behind the thrills that bring families together, this is your opportunity to make that dream come true.

About arenaflex Imagineering

arenaflex Imagineering serves as the creative force that conceptualizes, invents, designs, engineers, produces, and manages the creation of all arenaflex resorts, theme parks, and attractions worldwide. Our exceptional team of Imagineers represents the pinnacle of multidisciplinary talent, uniting the best elements of creativity, innovation, and passion to deliver extraordinary guest experiences.

Our mission at arenaflex is to transport people to magical worlds through experiences that transcend imagination. Ride Development Specialists bring optimism and solutions to design challenges that often seem impossible, collaborating with diverse creative talent to define and build standout experiences that bring joy and excitement to millions of people across the globe. We Create to Inspire!

Position Overview: Senior Ride Development Engineer

We are currently seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Ride Development Engineer to join our dynamic Project Engineering team. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for every aspect of mechanical ride system design and development, from initial concept through final installation. You'll work on innovative ride platforms that feature unique requirements for extreme duty cycles, high reliability, and intrinsic life safety considerations.

This position reports directly to the Lead Ride Development Engineering Executive and offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to landmark entertainment projects that will be enjoyed by guests for generations to come.

What You'll Do

As a Senior Ride Development Engineer at arenaflex, you will manage the entire scope to imagine, plan, and deliver a wide variety of complex and creative ride systems and related equipment, ensuring durability, reliability, and safety. Your technical expertise and creative vision will be instrumental in bringing groundbreaking attractions to life.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Conceptual Design: Lead "clean sheet" concept design efforts for rides that meet creative intent and partner requirements, translating imaginative concepts into technical realities.


• Requirements Analysis: Distill and organize technical requirements from high-level concept/story descriptions and artwork, converting creative vision into precise engineering specifications.


• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with key stakeholders to define system requirements and interface specifications, ensuring alignment between creative and technical teams.


• Team Leadership: Direct the daily activities of an engineering and design team through all phases of work, including planning, mockups, production, installation, testing, turnover, and close-out efforts.


• Documentation: Be responsible for the development of scope, analysis, testing, risk, and report documents that ensure project success and regulatory compliance.


• Vendor Management: Oversee contractor and vendor relationships, ensuring quality deliverables and adherence to project specifications.


• Technical Design: Be responsible for advanced modeling and drawing development and release, utilizing cutting-edge engineering tools and methodologies.


• Prototyping: Lead large-scale proof of concept model and prototype efforts, including designing, fabricating, and testing innovative solutions.


• Procurement Support: Collaborate with the project procurement team to evaluate, bid, and award external vendor contracts.


• Field Operations: Lead and supervise the installation of ride mechanical equipment, field support, and testing activities.


• Site Activities: Perform field installation and testing activities, including equipment and site surveys, use of dynamic fall protection equipment, and navigation of construction sites with catwalks, ladders, platforms, lifts, and confined spaces.

What You'll Bring

We're seeking candidates who possess a unique combination of technical expertise, creative problem-solving abilities, and a passion for delivering exceptional entertainment experiences.

Essential Qualifications:

• Mechanical Engineering Experience: Demonstrated hands-on mechanical engineering experience in complex system design and development.


• Advanced Engineering Knowledge: Strong foundation in engineering principles including statics, dynamics, tolerances, kinematics, and stress/strain analysis.


• Technical Expertise: Advanced engineering proficiency in areas such as machine design, weldments, powertrain systems, and materials science.


• Design Tools Proficiency: Demonstrated capability with design tools including SolidWorks, Navisworks, AutoCAD, SketchUp, ANSYS, FEA, and Matlab.


• Creative Problem-Solving: Superior design sensibilities and innovative approach to solving complex technical challenges.


• Adaptability: Comfortable working in environments where scope and requirements change frequently, with the ability to pivot and adjust approaches as needed.


• Collaboration Skills: Excellent ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams with both technical and creative professionals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in the entertainment industry or theme park sector, with advanced knowledge of the industry.


• Experience with life safety design and requirements, understanding the critical importance of guest protection in attraction systems.


• Experience with prototyping, development, and/or innovative product creation.


• Technical certifications including EIT, FE, or PE credentials.


• Professional Engineering (PE) license.

Why Join arenaflex?

At arenaflex, we understand that our greatest asset is our people. That's why we offer a comprehensive compensation package designed to recognize your skills, experience, and contributions to our mission of creating magical experiences.

Competitive Benefits Include:

• Industry-Leading Compensation: Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.


• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.


• Retirement Planning: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.


• Professional Development: Extensive opportunities for training, certification, and career advancement.


• Creative Environment: Work alongside world-class Imagineers and creative professionals in an inclusive, innovative atmosphere.


• Unique Projects: Opportunity to work on groundbreaking attractions that will be experienced by millions worldwide.


• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work arrangements and generous paid time off.


• Perks & Discounts: Access to exclusive entertainment benefits and discounts.

Career Growth & Development

At arenaflex, your career trajectory is limited only by your ambition. As a Senior Ride Development Engineer, you'll have access to unparalleled growth opportunities within one of the most respected entertainment companies in the world. You'll work on increasingly complex projects, mentor emerging talent, and contribute to the evolution of theme park entertainment technology.

Our commitment to professional development means you'll receive ongoing training in the latest engineering methodologies, design software, and industry best practices. You'll have the chance to obtain additional certifications, attend industry conferences, and collaborate with experts across multiple disciplines.

Our Culture: Where Magic Meets Engineering

arenaflex is more than a workplace—it's a community of dreamers and doers who share a common purpose: creating experiences that inspire and delight. Our culture celebrates creativity, embraces diversity of thought, and fosters an environment where every voice matters.

We believe that the best ideas can come from anywhere, and we encourage our team members to think boldly, take calculated risks, and push the boundaries of what's possible. At arenaflex, you'll find colleagues who are passionate about their work, supportive of one another, and committed to delivering excellence in every project we undertake.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

If you're ready to combine your technical expertise with your passion for creating extraordinary experiences, we want to hear from you. Join the arenaflex team and become part of a legacy that spans generations—helping to create the magic that brings families together and creates memories that last a lifetime.

This is more than a job—it's an opportunity to be part of something truly extraordinary. Apply today and take the first step toward a rewarding career where your engineering skills can make dreams come true for millions of people around the world.

arenaflex is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.